£16,998.00
1930 Vintage Douglas SW5 motorcycle 500cc sprint bike
- Older Restoration.
- Race / Sprint modifications that can be reversed.
- Foot change Norton Dolls Head gearbox installed.
- Original Douglas gearbox supplied with the motorcycle.
- British registered with V5C document
- VMCC Dating Certificate
- Located in the UK
For most vintage Douglas motorcycle collectors, the Douglas SW5 motorcycle is one of the must-have bikes for the collection.
A little history on the Douglas SW5 motorcycle
In 1928, Douglas were already producing race bikes such as the TT Replica Model and the I.o.M Model 500/600cc OHV models. It seems that speedway had become something of an obsession with the public, so Douglas produced the 500cc Dirt Track RA28 in the same year.
The RA28 was an interim model, predating the release of the Dirt Track model in June 1928. The frame was DT model, yet it had the lugs (unused) for the RA braking system. Engine was left-over RA units (one example of a frame and engine are known), but it is not known what style gearbox. Provision for mounting to the frame or the engine are present! Probably the gearbox was mounted to the frame (a.k.a. DT) since these gearboxes were available since 1924 (OB model), and there was no provision to brace the gearbox to the frame, as required by the RA model gearbox. No period image known, one surviving frame and engine known.
In the same year, Douglas produced the stripped-down Dirt Track and Speedway models: Model DT5 / DT6 (Dirt Track), SW5 / SW6 (Speedway) 500 / 600cc OHV .
Distinguishing features are Gearbox above rear cylinder mounted to frame under saddle. Tall air box, twin Amac carburettors. Oil held in front compartment of petrol tank, hand pump manual oiling only. 62.25mm x 82mm (500cc) and 68mm x 82mm (600cc). Single central spring on front fork. Early frames can have brake and saddle lugs from RA model (though brakes not used of course.)
Specification of the DT and SW models remained the same for 1929. However, in 1930 / 32, the differences were: Small, square air box with mechanical oil pump, oil drip sight glass mounted on top of air box; road versions had brakes and flywheel clutch. Amal track carburettors. The models still had hand pump for auxiliary oiling.
They also produced a short-stroke version in 1931 and finished production for these wonderful machines in 1932.
About this Douglas SW5 motorcycle.
The current owner has enjoyed ownership of this machine. It has been used regularly and has had outings at Brooklands and the famous Kop Hill Climb.
It’s very reliable and an easy starter. As it’s a sprint motorcycle, the current owner uses a roller-starter. A video is available demonstrating a cold start on the roller-starter.
The engine was rebuilt some time ago by a well-known Douglas race man. The machine is properly set up for sprints and the owner states that is a very capable machine.
The current custodian has owned this machine since 2022. He has recently undergone some hip surgery and finds the position awkward now. This is the only reason that it’s for sale.
The motorcycle is registered with the UK DVLA and has a V5C. It also has a VMCC dating certificate that authenticates the 1930 build claim.
Viewing:
The motorcycle is located near Henley-on-Thames, Oxfordshire and available for viewing by appointment.
Contact TheTimingChest to arrange a viewing
Looking for Douglas motorcycle parts?
Please take a look through the Douglas motorcycle spare parts for sale here.
If you’re not already a member, for a few pounds, you can get the benefit of being a member of the London Douglas Motorcycle Club. They have a shop and a worldwide community.
